Glastonbury
Glastonbury
Glastonbury is steeped in Myth and legends as well as the supposed resting place of King Arthur and Guinevere. It is also said to be the place where Joseph of Arimathea came to found the first Christian church in England and Europe. Glastonbury is also said to be the location of the Holy Grail, and some believe it is buried on the Tor.
The Abbey of Glastonbury and its remains which the town clusters around was one of the most important Christian sites in England and certainly one of the greatest, the town’s reputation as a centre for pilgrimage was boosted in 1191 when two graves were discovered said to be those of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere.
In the town, the ruins of the Abbey can be visited and there is a shop and Museum.
The monks of the Abbey were so successful in draining the local levels to farm the land that Glastonbury and its Tor became an oasis in the then wetlands known as the Somerset levels. The Tor can be seen from miles around as it rises up from the levels to a height of 520 feet. The size and shape of the Tor sometimes seem to suggest to the viewer that it is improbable that it is a feature of nature. This is probably the reason why so many people believe legends about the place and the Tor.
The town itself has several interesting shops and courtyards to visit and is very much the home of the new age movement,the atmosphere is very calm and relaxed. The chalice well provides a quiet environment in which to meditate and relax amongst its gardens and streams.
Once a year the peace of the area is shattered when thousands descend on Glastonbury for its world-renowned festival. Although there are many visitors the town still seems to remain quiet as the festival ground is a few miles away.
As well as the ruins of the Abbey there are other interesting buildings to be seen in the town such as the tribunal and the almshouse’s on Magdalen Street.
Activities in Glastonbury
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